CubeSat Program Educator

Company Description The Cheyenne Children’s Museum (CCM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to sparking curiosity and inspiring growth in every explorer. CCM offers a one-of-a-kind environment where children and families can discover, connect, and feel a strong sense of belonging. The museum focuses on creative, play-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) experiences that encourage hands-on learning. Team members collaborate to design inclusive, engaging programs that make STEAM accessible and enjoyable for diverse audiences. Staff at CCM play a key role in fostering lifelong learning and enthusiasm for discovery in the Cheyenne community.

Role Description CCM is seeking an experienced educator to lead engaging CubeSat courses for middle and high school students. The strongest candidate can make young people feel capable, curious, and supported while guiding a hands-on classroom. We will provide program materials and training on the specific kits and curriculum. A background in programming, electronics, soldering, or aerospace is welcome, but excellent teaching is the priority. Additional responsibilities include evaluating program effectiveness, maintaining documentation, and contributing to outreach and special programs related to space and STEM education.

This is a contract teaching opportunity for scheduled 2027 cohorts at the museum in Cheyenne. The high school course runs for eight weeks and the middle school course for four weeks. Sessions are expected to meet twice weekly for up to two hours per session, with exact dates and preparation expectations agreed in a separate contract for each cohort. Cohorts depend on enrollment and funding. The educator will work with CCM’s program team and complete required course training before leading a cohort.

What You Will Do

• Lead age-appropriate, hands-on lessons using the approved CubeSat curriculum, student workbooks, and kits.
• Build a welcoming classroom where students can ask questions, solve problems, collaborate, and learn from mistakes.
• Adapt explanations and pacing to students’ abilities while preserving agreed learning goals and safety requirements; raise needed curriculum changes with CCM rather than altering licensed materials independently.
• Guide students through experiments, introductory programming, data collection, satellite systems, and practical troubleshooting.
• Lead soldering activities with students, providing one-on-one support, guidance, and safety procedures for kit assembly. Strong proficiency in THT soldering/desoldering is preferred. Prepare for each class, check the room and equipment, follow tool and electronics safety procedures, and promptly report kit issues to CCM.
• Coordinate with CCM staff on attendance, student support needs, family communication, and a brief end-of-cohort summary of learning and program feedback.
• Use good judgment with minors and follow CCM’s youth protection, incident reporting, and facility procedures.

What We Need

• Meaningful experience teaching, facilitating, coaching, or leading groups of middle school or high school students.
• Ability to explain unfamiliar ideas clearly, manage a group with warmth and consistency, and support a range of learning styles.
• Comfort in learning technical material, in practicing assembly and use of a CubeSat kit, and in asking questions before teaching it.
• Reliable preparation, communication, and follow-through for the full scheduled cohort.
• Ability to complete the required program training and any screening or youth protection requirements before working with students.

Experience We Would Especially Value

• Project-based learning, student presentations, or informal education in a museum or after-school setting.
• Programming, electronics, robotics, engineering, makerspace, or STEM education experience.
• Experience using soldering tools and teaching safe tool use.

Contract Terms and Application

Compensation: $35-60/hour

Each cohort agreement will state the teaching dates, expected hours, preparation and reporting scope,

payment schedule, and any support staffing. This description does not guarantee a minimum number of

cohorts. CCM supplies curriculum and student kits and identifies the primary museum contact for scheduling and program coordination.